Pentahelix Lunch: Rupiah Weakness and Investment Challenges in Indonesia

A forum bringing together government, academia, business, the legislature, and the media featured Bandung City DPRD Chairman Asep Mulyadi, West Java Industry and Trade Department Head Nining Yuliastiani, academic Prof. Cecep Darmawan, factory outlet entrepreneur Perry Tristianto, and RMOL Special Editor Saeful Zaman as the discussion initiator. Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, who also serves as Deputy Head of BKPM, Todotua Pasaribu, who was unable to attend, conveyed his views via a video recording. In his remarks, Todotua asserted that economic success is not solely measured by growth figures, but by the benefits felt by the public through job creation, business opportunities, and improved welfare. “Indonesia’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 reached 5.61 percent, with investment realisation of Rp98 trillion, which absorbed approximately 76,000 workers,” Todotua stated. He argued that collaboration among all pentahelix elements is key to ensuring economic growth is felt equitably by the community. West Java Industry and Trade Department Head Nining Yuliastiani acknowledged that the weakening rupiah and global economic turmoil are putting pressure on domestic food and energy prices. However, she stressed that the regional government continues to implement various mitigation measures, ranging from strengthening industrial partnerships and price controls to expanding market access and promoting the use of domestic raw materials. “Behind every difficulty, there is always an opportunity. We must seize this momentum to increase economic self-reliance and strengthen local products,” she said. Meanwhile, Bandung City DPRD Chairman Asep Mulyadi assessed that the economic issues currently felt by the public must be addressed with policies that have a direct impact. He noted that the public does not merely want to see government programmes running, but wants to feel real benefits in their daily lives. “What the public sees is not just whether a programme exists or not. The question is, has their life become better or is it actually getting harder,” Asep said. He also emphasised the importance of a culture of self-criticism and exemplary conduct among leaders in building public trust. “If you are a public servant, you must be ready to sacrifice and set a good example for the community,” he stressed. Prof. Cecep Darmawan added that he highlighted the importance of policies favouring the lower-middle class, who are most affected by economic pressures. He cautioned that the fruits of national development should not be enjoyed only by certain groups. “The national cake must not be enjoyed by just a handful of people. This issue of inequality must be a serious concern for all stakeholders,” he concluded.